T.H.E Interview – EJ

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EJ Interview

EJ is the resident DJ for the global entertainment brand and race championship, Formula E, as well as one of the freshest talents with white-hot releases on Garuda that have burst him onto the scene with his euphoric, melodic take on house and trance.

We caught up with EJ, and spoke to him about his Formula E compilation, and his biggest influences in music.

T.H.E – Hey man! Welcome to T.H.E – Music Essentials. How has 2019 kicked off for you, and what goals have you set for yourself, this year?

EJ – Hey guys. Thanks for having me! 2019 has been amazing so far. I have performed in Marrakesh, Santiago, Hong Kong and in my home town London at Ministry of Sound, as well as released the first Formula E Soundtrack. Goals for me this year is all about music. I’ve got a number of single releases coming up over the next few months, as well as an artist album at the end of the year.

T.H.E – You’re the resident DJ of the Formula E Racing competition. How has that played a role in your success, and helping you connect with a much larger audience?

EJ – Working with Formula E has been incredible. I think to be honest we compliment each other. They have been a great platform to hit a big commercial audience, but I have given them a fantastic music product that they can put into their race day and broadcasts.

T.H.E – Do you personally have an interest in racing? How did this association take place, and what clear opportunities do you see?

EJ – Yeah, I always had an interest in racing. My dad was into motorsport so I got to go to a lot of F1 Grand Prix’s when I was younger, but it was only by chance that I met Formula E. I used to DJ for Ministry of Sound and head the events team for quite some time and I met Formula E through that. I came onboard to help with their music platform from DJing at the events to writing the music for the TV broadcast. The big opportunities that I am working on are music festival style events to run alongside the race w/e, and continuing to write the music for the broadcast.

T.H.E – Tell us about your new compilation – Formula E – The Soundtrack, Vol. 1. How long was it in the works, how did you decide the tracklisting, and what has been the support so far?

EJ – I really enjoyed putting this soundtrack together, and this is only the start of a series. It took around four months from start to finish, choosing music, sign off and artwork etc. I wanted the track list to run similar to one of my sets, kicking things off progressive vibes and moving through to a more trancier sound. The soundtrack got to number 2 in the Beatport Trance Chart. We have another in the pipeline for the end of the season, and then a third the start of next season.

T.H.E – Which artists have been instrumental, in helping you grow, throughout your career?

EJ – There have been quite a few but to sum things up in 6. These will sound quite random but each one of these artists has either helped me or their music has influenced me to do what I do – Paul Van Dyk, Binary Finary, Plump DJs, Chicane, Ashley Wallbridge and Futuristic Polar Bears.

T.H.E – Who would you say are your biggest influences in music?

EJ – Eric Prydz definitely. His sets are epic, hence his show name!

T.H.E – When can we expect new music from EJ?

EJ – Very, very soon. As I mentioned before I have a number of singles coming out over the next few months, the follow up to the Formula E The Soundtrack and also my artist album at the end of the year.

T.H.E – Are you planning on playing more live shows away from Formula E this year? Where can we see you?

EJ – I would love to. Nothing has been confirmed yet but I know dates are being worked on. We have some big shows planned for Formula E in Rome, Paris, Monaco, Berlin, Berne and New York.

T.H.E – How has your style evolved from when you first started producing?

EJ – I have been DJing for quite some time and producing properly only over the last 4 years. Musically I have gone through many genres starting with hardcore, to trance, to house and now back to trance and progressive. You can expect to hear a lot more progressive stuff from me in the future. Thanks for all the support, T.H.E – Music Essentials!

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